EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Candi of PAINT SHOP POLISH

Hi there, my darlings! As part of the current indie featured giveaway with Paint Shop Polish, I have already posted a review of some of the new brand's gorgeous creations! Now it's time for an exclusive interview with the maker along side the super exciting giveaway, so people can get a little glimpse into the world of the face behind the brand! How can one get to know a brand without getting to know the maker a little, right? So, I present to you my interview with Candi of Paint Shop Polish! Read on for a peek into the woman behind the brand!

1. How did you first get into making polish?

I've always been a crafty person -I'm the type to sooner make something myself than buy it. When I discovered the world of indie nail polish I just had to start creating my own!

2. What was the inspiration for the name "PAINT SHOP POLISH"? Is there a story behind the name?

Customs were always my favorite. I love the idea of creating someone's one-of-a-kind dream color. I remember going to the local paint store with my parents when I was a kid. It always amazed me how someone could come in with any random color swatch and get a custom paint mixed up for them. Just like at those stores, at Paint Shop Polish you can get your dream color made.

3. What inspires your collections (or where do you look for inspiration)? What inspired your latest collection? Any hints/ideas about upcoming collections?

I take inspiration from everything -clothing, nature, makeup, etc. My latest collection was created simply by combining my two favorite types of polishes: neons and holos! I'll be releasing some new Independence Day inspired holos & glitterbombs on June 8. Cuticle balm will be coming soon as well as a mani/pedi bomb restock!

4. Do you have a favorite indie maker(s)? Favorite mainstream brand?

I love Glam Polish, KB Shimmer, and Virtuous Polish. As far as mainstreams go I like Zoya, China Glaze and Sinful Colors.

5. What are your go-to products for nail/cuticle care?

I use my mani/pedi bombs weekly to keep my hands soft and fill in the fine lines I get around my cuticles. I also use a peach cuticle oil from Nailite and take biotin supplements daily.

6. What are your favorite colors? In general? For summer? For fall?

My favorite color is purple. I also love blues, reds and pinks. Neons in every color of the rainbow are a must for summer. In the fall I enjoy rich, deep jewel tones.

7. This may be hard--but which are your 3 favorite creations so far?

That's very hard!! But I'd have to say my favorites are Heart's Desire, Solar Flare and Raspberry Riptide.

8. Do you have any other hobbies? Are you involved with any other clubs, associations, or recreational activities?

I enjoy practicing special effects makeup and playing video games.

9. What is your most favorite thing about being an indie maker?

Being able to create any polish I want

What are some of the challenges?

It's sometimes difficult to create the exact color you have in mind. Color knowledge is a must! Some pigments are also a pain in the butt to work with. I have to fight with some to dissolve or to get the desired opacity.

What advice would you give to people considering starting their own brand?

Do your research! Figure our what glitters, pigments and micas will work and what won't. Don't just buy from the first supplier you find; shop around a bit. Getting into polish making is expensive; you'll want to spend your money wisely.

Overall, are you happy with your decision to get into the indie polish world?

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I am the lab manager for the Science Department of a premier Manhattan high school/early college by day...and a beauty blogger by night! I was born in Calcutta, India but grew up partially in Calcutta and partially in Chicago, Illinois. I'm currently living in Brooklyn, NYC. My zodiac sign is Libra and I'm pretty true to my sign--I have a love for all things beautiful, I'm an extrovert to the core and blogging is a way for me to connect with my aesthetically inclined side!